Jake Fey — As chair, Jake Fey manages the procedural exchange by allowing the witness to continue speaking and then briefly recognizing Representative Paul as the discussion proceeds.
Jake Fey — Chair Jake Fey is addressed as a question is introduced, and shortly afterward he transitions the discussion to Representative Salmon’s question, forming one continuous procedural exchange.
Jake Fey — Addressed as Chair Fey/Fay at the start of the next presentation.
Michael — The speaker is responding to prior testimony and concerns about ferry maintenance.
Michael — Introduces the budget discussion and explains that the presentation will cover funded items first and then items not funded.
Michael — Provides approximate cost estimates for vessels and explains that an alternative design would require a new process.
Michael — Says he will double-check whether the engine replacement cost applies per engine or to the full program, and believes it generally applies to two-engine boats.
Adam Bernbaum — Representative Bernbaum asks why terminal electrification is being sequenced alongside, rather than ahead of, the deployment of new hybrid electric ferries, questioning the logic of electrifying terminals before the ferries that will use them are fully online. The discussion centers on the timing and rationale for investing in terminal electrification in relation to ferry construction and route readiness.
Adam Bernbaum — Identified by the chair as having a question about the cost of deferred repairs.
Adam Bernbaum — Representative Bernbaum is identified as the next questioner.
Adam Bernbaum — Addressed by the speaker as Representative Bernbaum before asking about cost calculations.
Alex Ramel — Alex Ramel thanked the chair and raised concerns about Solis/Solace-related vessel needs, asking whether the cost and timing of obtaining a vessel to reinstate the Sidney run are contemplated in the plan and whether there are estimates for the additional expense and timeline.
Alex Ramel — Representative Alex Ramel asked for clarification on whether the $8 billion preservation figure included bridge work and highlighted the distinction between highway maintenance and other categories. He was then thanked for raising the clarifying question about the scope of the preservation need.
Pascoe Becletich — Introduced as the next presenter on maintenance operations; he corrected the pronunciation of his name.
Pascoe Focktich — Introduced himself as director of maintenance operations for the Washington State Department of Transportation and began his presentation.
Pascoe — Pascoe’s presentation was concluded and then referenced again as part of the discussion distinguishing operations, maintenance, and preservation, indicating a continued focus on the same transportation-related topic.
Troy Suing — Troy Suing is introduced as the next presenter and then introduces himself as the Director of Capital Program Development and Management, beginning his presentation on preservation.
Evan Grimm — Evan Grimm introduced himself as the state bridge and structures engineer and described his statewide responsibilities for bridge inspection, bridge design, policy, and bridge asset management. He then outlined the structure of his presentation, saying he would discuss bridge strike examples and possible solutions, while Mike would cover financial impacts and cost recovery.
Mike Fay — Mike Fay, the administrative risk manager at WSDOT, is introduced as the person responsible for tort litigation, insurance, and financial recovery. He is then identified as the speaker who will discuss the financial impacts and cost recovery related to those responsibilities.
Sharon Wylie — Sharon Wylie asked a series of related questions about the claims and risk management system: how collected money is allocated and how administrative overhead is handled, how the amount collected compares with total damages paid, whether the program considers prevention measures such as design changes, whether there is a formal mechanism to use claims feedback to improve future processes and warnings, and whether changes in law could help recover more costs.
Adison Richards — The chair recognizes Representative Adison Richards as the next questioner, and Richards follows by asking whether other states face similar preservation challenges and whether Washington can learn from innovative approaches used elsewhere.
Amy Skay — Committee staff member who begins a presentation on the fiscal environment for ferries.
Janice Zahn — Raised a concern about ferry procurement risk and urged using delivery methods that do not leave the state owning design errors and performance issues.
Ed Orcutt — Ed Orcutt raises concerns about ferry policy and maintenance decisions, questioning whether delaying electrification truly increases emissions and fuel costs or simply delays reductions. He then points to ferries, including the Elwha, being taken out of service early, explaining that when maintenance was finally performed, severe corrosion and rust were discovered, forcing plans to be scrapped and reinforcing his concern about the consequences of deferred maintenance.
Dave Paul — Asked what happens when Washington State Ferries cannot keep vessels in dry dock long enough for preferred maintenance.
Dave Paul — Referenced as having noted earlier the risk involved in life extensions.
Dave Paul — Asked for details on whether terminal capital work is seismic or environmental at each of the three terminals.
Dave Paul — Dave Paul asks a series of related questions about guardrail damage and crash frequency, wondering whether increased damage means there have been more crashes. He then follows up by asking whether the state recovers costs when an insured driver is at fault.
Dave Paul — Representative Dave Paul asks whether WSDOT would be able to complete the needed paving if it were fully funded, and the discussion continues with immediate follow-up recognition in the same exchange.
Jake Fey — Jake Fey is addressed as Mr. Chair, and the chair responds casually that this kind of address is acceptable and happens from time to time.
Andrew Barkis — The transcript says 'Representative Barker,' but this appears to refer to Rep. Andrew Barkis asking about the biodiesel supply issue.
Andrew Barkis — Representative Andrew Barkis asked whether the $122 million figure includes debt service for bonding used to build ferries, and the discussion referenced that his question was prompted by changes in bond spending.
Andrew Barkis — Representative Andrew Barkis asks for clarification on the consequences of pursuing an alternative vessel design, including whether it would move away from electrification, how much additional time such a change would require, and whether the cited $50 million engine replacement cost applies to most of the ships being discussed.
Andrew Barkis — Representative Andrew Barkis is called on and then questions the witness about whether there has been a long-term capital facilities plan and whether lawmakers were warned about aging buildings and asbestos. He compares the issue to planning for repairs on an older house, arguing that the Legislature needs more sequenced, long-term information rather than crisis-driven requests. He says the current flow of information makes it harder to appropriate funds effectively and closes by noting the agency’s staffing and facilities footprint.
Adison Richards — Representative Adison Richards was called on as the first questioner and then thanked the witness before asking about ferry ridership, including who is riding the ferries, which runs have the highest ridership, and how current ridership compares with projections.
Adison Richards — Asked about the Eastern Shipbuilding Group contract and whether it covers two vessels with an option for a third.
Amy Scha — Named as one of the presenters preparing factual information on ferries.
Michael Hirsch — Michael Hirsch is introduced as one of the presenters preparing factual information on ferries, then shortly afterward he identifies himself as committee staff and begins the ferry presentation.
Michael Hirsch — Credited with putting together the chart showing 35 years of ferry capital and operating spending.
Zach Hall — Introduced himself as representing the 5th District and said he was appointed in June.
Andrew Barkis — Thanked for the introduction; transcript says 'Rep. Barkas,' corrected to Barkis based on member list.